About 120 people, including local residents and those from Willimantic, Hartford and Greenwich attended the sixth annual Community Prison Awareness and Prevention Gathering Oct. 29 in New London, hosted by the Shiloh Baptist Church Prison Ministry.

The theme was “Embracing Returning Citizens and Those Transitioning into a Second Chance Society.”

Department of Corrections Commissioner Scott Semple made opening remarks, followed by a proclamation from New London Mayor Michael Passero recognizing conference coordinator Winston Taylor for his 20 years of work in the prison and re-entry ministry. Notes of recognition also came from U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, and President Barack Obama.

The morning sessions focused on youth empowerment, mental health, and employment and job training. Lunch was followed by a panel discussion on why and how communities can embrace people transitioning from prison or treatment and returning to society. Organizations, including the Connecticut Pardon Team and Safe Futures, were available to answer questions about their services.

Daniel Dyer of Work & Learn, Inc. and Shineika Fareus, a senior at the Science and Technology Magnet High School in New London received 2016 Community Service Awards at the conference.